Curlew Washington Tourism

Curlew lies in the heart of northern Ferry County along the east bank of the meandering Kettle River. Ten miles south of the Canadian border on State Hwy. 21, Curlew and the surrounding area exemplify a lost era of American frontier history often overlooked by travelers on more major highways.

But its remote and reclusive location actually serves to preserve a richness of history and natural beauty and poses a rare opportunity for a lucky traveler to catch a glimpse of an undeveloped remnant of the Old West. Established in 1896, the town of Curlew was centered around the original Curlew Store, as well as the Ansorge Hotel in which Henry Ford once enjoyed a repass during a trip to personally deliver a Model-T to his niece. The area attracted gold miners and remains a site for gold exploration to this day.

Abundant opportunities exist for visits to local historic landmarks, such as Chief Tonasket’s grave, one of the first prominent American Indian cattlemen.

Near the Canadian border is Ranald MacDonald’s grave, a remarkable man of American Indian and Scottish descent who is remembered for his early travels to Japan during the 1840’s in which he taught English and established enduring connections between the two countries. Other sites of interest include the historic Curlew Bridge, the Antique Car and Truck Museum and the Malo Store. Guided tours are also available to the Ansorge Hotel Museum.

The surrounding area is a wonderland for sportsmen and nature-lovers. The Kettle River enters Ferry County from Canada in a southerly direction and reverses its direction as it makes a wide bend near Curlew and then flows north to again return to the Canadian border. The river follows the highway at all points, allowing easy access to sightseers, gold panners, fishermen, rafters and kayakers. A wide variety of birds and other wildlife are plentiful along the way. Dozens of species of birds are commonly seen, including bald eagles, osprey and heron. Mule deer and white-tailed deer abound, as well as bear, coyotes, cougar and bighorn sheep adorn the steep cliffs along the river. Mountain lakes, ponds and creeks complete the picture.

During the winter, the rugged landscape is transformed into a quiet and almost mystically serene world, entirely remote from big city cares and worries. Cross-country skiers are among those who seek a retreat into such a pristine environment.

Throughout the year, music and art festivals occur in rapid succession, drawing upon a wealth of local talent and people who have moved here to enjoy life. Visit soon.

Curlew Store